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PEOPLE AND HISTORICAL DIVERSITY

In 1997, Hong Kong returned to the Chinese flag under a “one country, two systems” policy. Hong Kong’s colonial legacy mixed with its Chinese roots has created a city where East meets West. Hong Kong is home to immigrants from mainland China seeking a better life as well as a diverse group of foreigners including South and Southeast Asians, Europeans and North Americans.

Hong Kong’s two official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) & English.

Hong Kongers are very superstitious, regularly consulting fortune tellers on topics of love, career, fertility and prosperity. Popular modes of fortune-telling include palm reading, face reading and reading chim sticks or fortune sticks. Fortune tellers are readily found outside Wong Tai Sin Temple and at the famed outdoor Temple Street Night Market.

Three ancient religions- Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity – have wide followings in Hong Kong. Chinese temples with images of Buddhist and Taoist deities number over 600 while numerous churches also exist, including the famous St. John’s Cathedral built in 1849. Other widely followed religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism.

TOP HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES

Victoria Harbour – Bustling with activity day and night, Victoria or “Fragrant” Harbor, remains one of Hong Kong’s greatest assets and the basis of its rise from a quiet backwater to a flourishing trading post to a global city.

Bank of China Building & Architecture in Central Hong Kong – I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Headquarters’ 70-storey tower showcases Hong Kong’s fierce modernity. While just steps away are remnants of the city’s colonial past including the Old Supreme Court Building, the Government house, and other architectural gems along Battery Path.

Maritime History at Heritage 1881 – The landmark Victorian buildings of Hong Kong’s former Marine Police Headquarters now beautifully restored into a new Tsim Sha Tsui shopping & dining district, known as 1881 Heritage.

Tian Tan Buddha – The world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha sits serenely atop Ngong Ping Plateau amid spectacular mountain scenery on Lantau Island. Adjacent is the Po Lin Monastery, a sacred spot for devout Buddhists in Hong Kong.

The Duk Ling – The last authentic Chinese Junk Boat originally owned and manned by Chinese fishermen. It is typical of the junks which used to cross Hong Kong’s waters for hundreds of years. Sailings occur on Thursdays and Saturdays weekly.

Tai Fu Tai Chinese Mandarin Mansion – A preserved lavish residence built in 1865 by a Chinese merchant and philanthropist.

Tai O Fishing Village – Tai O is a village on Lantau Island comprised of stilted homes as well as temples and monasteries. It is inhabited mainly by the Tanka people, descendants of Hong Kong’s first settlers.

Chi Lin Nunnery – Peaceful gardens and wooden halls modeled after the style of the Tang Dynasty following the rules of feng shui.

Wong Tai Sin Temple – Hong Kong’s most popular and colorful temple is visited by Buddhists, Taoists and Confucians. Fortune-tellers work outside the temple.

University of Hong Kong – The first university in Hong Kong, which opened in 1913, sustained damages during the Japanese occupation, and reopened its doors in 1948. The campus remains a peaceful lush enclave with elegant buildings containing Edwardian, Gothic and Tudor design influences.

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ANNUAL EVENTS AND CELEBRATION

Chinese New Year - Year of the Rabbit
(February 3, 2011)
Week long celebrations with International Parade; fireworks in the Harbor; flower markets; International Cup Horse Races

Hong Kong Arts Festival
(February/March 2011)
International renowned performers on stage

Cheung Chau Bun Festival & Buddha Festival
(May 2011)
A colorful time of parades, lion dance and religious rites

Summer Spectacular
(July/August, 2010)
Annual summer shopping and dining season

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival
(July 23-25, 2010)
Dragon boat racing in Victoria Harbor and an outdoor carnival of festivities and entertainment celebrated in Tsim Sha Tsui East.

Mid-Autumn Festival
(September 22, 2010)
A 219 feet long "fire" dragon parade in Tai Hang with candles and lanterns dotting all the parks and promenades on this day when the moon is at its fullest

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
(October 28th – 31st, 2010)
This festival takes place at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade featuring wine pavilions and food stalls serving delicious bites to the tune of live music. Wine appreciation classes as well as wine tours and walks will also be conducted during this time. With the government recently waiving duties on wine, wine lovers in Hong Kong are enjoying lower prices and a wider selection. Also enjoy promotions and special events at Hong Kong’s trendiest food districts during this festive period.

Winter Fest
(December, 2010 – January, 2011)
Be greeted by giant greeting cards made of neon lights on the buildings along Victoria Harbor and exciting New Year countdowns at different locales.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD